Issa Sign of Angels

by Joe Mis
Staff Writer

What if Britney Spears did metal? What if Avril Lavigne dropped the teenage angst bit? What if Lady Gaga focused on her music rather than image? What if Amy Lee wrote a happy song? You might get something like Scandinavian bombshell Issa’s debut release Sign Of Angels on Frontiers Records.

Issa (Isabell Oversveen) is a 26 year old singer from Oslo, Norway, and she’s not a rookie. Issa has been kicking around the music scene since she was 17, working with many local bands and record studios and winning much praise and support from both the Norwegian and international music industry. Now she has partnered with a group of veteran musicians to put out what could be one of the best debut albums of the year. Not metal, not hard rock, and certainly not bubble-gum pop, Issa’s music is a kicky and upbeat melange of all of these and more. In terms of tone and appeal it is perhaps comparable to Bon Jovi’s first album or Def Leppard’s Pyromania – real rock with a commercial sheen.

Issa has a wonderful voice and solid dynamic range. She can sing softly and quietly, but can also generate a huge amount of power and deliver it with attitude. She is a simple singer with a quality voice, not an operatic talent or a screamer – and simple works for her beautifully. The fact that this voice comes wrapped in an attractive blond Scandinavian certainly doesn’t hurt…

In a very smart move Issa has surrounded herself with veteran talents throughout the entire process of making Sign Of Angels. Produced by Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon) and with songwriting help from Joacim Cans (Hammerfall), Thomas Vikström (Candlemass), and Sören Kronqvist (Crash the System) among others, Issa has done everything possible to present her talents in the best possible light. Her band is all top notch talent – guitarist Peter Huss (Shining), drummer Uli Kusch (Masterplan, Helloween), keyboardist Tim Larsson (Nick Lachey), and bassist Magnus “Nobby” Noberg (Dionysus, Saint Deamon). Somehow this collection of talent from genres ranging from pop to black metal have combined to write some catchy, hooky radio-friendly songs and perform like they’ve been playing together for years.

If there is one weakness on the album, it is simply that the CD is just a bit too slickly produced and a touch over-engineered – this isn’t power metal after all – and it carries too much of a “commercial” vibe. Issa’s vocals are doubled and tripled and more during some of the choruses and that is overkill. Her voice is clean and clear enough that it does not need this level of manipulation.

“Angels Crying” opens the CD as a straight up commercial rocker. Big chugging guitars and energetic vocals make this a fine starting point. The chorus and lyrics are so easy and catchy that the average listener will be able to sing along before the song finishes for the first time – something that is prevalent throughout. Massive radio hit is written all over “I’m Alive” – a solid performance but one of the most “commercial” songs on the album. “Give Me A Sign” starts off with a nice acoustic opening and becomes a solid soft rock track that allows Issa to demonstrate her full vocal range. “River Of Love” is a very upbeat and high energy track with some great lyrics, solid musicianship and terminally happy tone. “What Can I Do” is a lower energy song with some nice keyboard textures, but this track is built around Issa’s vocals and really shows them off. “Closer” is a very pop-rock tune and really doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the album – way too commercial sounding.

“Unbelievable” starts the second half of the album strongly, opening with some nice piano work and soft gentle vocals – this one would be another commercial radio smash. “How Will I Know” is a much harder track with more of a progressive metal sound to it courtesy of some fine keyboards and a simple but crunchy guitar line. “As I Live And Breathe” is another very catchy tune with a simple and very sing-able vocals and a nice bouncy bass line. “Flying High” is a nicely done progressive metal track with a killer bass line. “It’s Not Me” is a moody slow rock track with solid guitars and great expressive lyrics. “Fallen Angel” finishes up the disc on a high note – lots of energy and a very good vocal mix similar to Vixen or later Girlschool releases of the ’90s.

Issa has put out a great album and manages to stand out in the overcrowded female-fronted-metal-band pack. She sings with enthusiasm and style, and will bring a smile to the face of even the most jaded rock fan. Musically solid, slickly produced, very radio-friendly, incredibly upbeat and positive without being vapid or sugary, Sign Of Angels is a winner. If you don’t mind your heavy metal leathers smelling slightly of bubble gum or green apple then this album is highly recommended!

Frontiers will release Sign Of Angels on September 14 in Europe and October 10 in the US.

Genre: Melodic Metal

Band:
Issa (vocals)
Tim Larsson (keyboards)
Nobby Noberg (bass)
Uli Kusch (drums)
Peter Huss (guitars)

Track Listing:
1. Angels Crying
2. I’m Alive
3. Give Me A Sign
4. River Of Love
5. What Can I Do
6. Closer
7. Unbelievable
8. How Will I Know
9. As I Live and Breathe
10. Flying High
11. It’s Not Me
12. Fallen Angel

Label: Frontiers Records

Website: http://www.frontiers.it/album/4744/

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10

Kiske/Somerville Kiske/Somerville

by Joe Mis
Staff Writer

Voices, you hear voices … fortunately they are very good voices, unlike the other ones so many seem to hear. Kiske/Somerville is the upcoming self-titled release by the band fronted by former Helloween lead vocalist Michael Kiske and American singer and vocal coach Amada Somerville. This album is a melodic metal masterpiece and a true showcase for two incredible vocal talents.

While not technically a “super-group”, all the members of Kiske/Somerville are music veterans. Inspired by a duet that Michael Kiske did with the band Indigo Dying and conceived by Frontiers Records president Serafino Perugino, Kiske/Somerville became a reality. Michael Kiske (Helloween) is joined by the Michigan native singer-songwriter-vocal coach Amanda Somerville in front of the microphone. Bassist Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Sinner) shared most of the songwriting duties with band mate and guitarist Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Starbreaker). Sinner also did the bulk of the engineering and producing. Somerville also teamed up with guitarist Sander Gommans (After Forever) to write a few tracks, and keyboard player Jimmy Kresic (Voodoo Circle) contributed as well. Drums were played by Rami Ali (Evidence One, Frontline) and Martin Schmidt (Leaves’ Eyes).

The album opens with the high energy rocker “Nothing Left To Say” which gives the non-singers in the band a chance to show their chops. It features a nice aggressive but not overwhelming rhythm line, a neat and tidy guitar solo and some fine drum work. Kiske and Somerville do a fine job on the duet vocals. “Silence” opens with a nice mellow keyboard riff, and becomes almost orchestral in tone. This track is a vocal back-and-forth between Kiske and Somerville with some shared chorus work. Both singers do a fine job, but at times Michael Kiske seems be forcing a “vibrato” which does not seem natural and certainly doesn’t fit in with normally straight-up and smooth delivery. Great drums and choppy guitars drive “If I Had A Wish” – Kiske sounds his most “Helloweenish” here. Powerful guitars and a great heavy groove drive “Arise”, and Kiske & Somerville trade verses and harmonize like they’ve been singing together for years.

“End Of The Road” is a soft keyboard track with very mellow and expressive vocals and lyrics and a big orchestral backing during the chorus. “Don’t Walk Away” is very upbeat almost pop-metal track with a catchy beat and a real sing-along chorus, while “A Thousand Suns” displays a glimmer of electronica and some fine acoustic guitar work and gives Amanda Somerville the best chance to display her amazing range and power. “Rain” is a great simple rock tune with some fine guitar lines and excellent vocals by Kiske, although that odd quiver reappears in his voice throughout the song.

“One Night Burning” is well done, but it is the stereotypical sad and sappy duet and one of the only disappointing tracks on the album. “Devil In Her Heart” is a very slick modern rock track with multiple layers of vocal contributed by both Kiske and Somerville. While a bit over the top vocal-wise it is a great display of the talents and ranges of both. “Second Chance” is another well done but fairly routine rock duet, but “Set A Fire” is a very heavy and intense track that wraps up the album in fine progressive/power metal fashion.

Kiske/Somerville will be released on September 24th in Europe and October 12th in the USA, and some will be packaged with a bonus DVD that will include two videos and a “making-of” documentary.

This is a fine recording not only for metal fans, but anyone who enjoys good vocal performances. The music is smooth and energetic without being overly maudlin or syrupy – as is the sad case with way too many male/female duet songs. The performances across the board are tight and precise, and the engineering brings real warmth of the vocalists to the front. Kiske & Somerville are undoubtedly two of the best vocalists in the rock scene today and this album gives them a chance to prove it to the world. More accessible to the general listener than the older Helloween material, this release should earn many more fans for Michael Kiske, and if you haven’t heard of Amanda Somerville yet this disc proves that you will. She is a voice for the ages.

Very highly recommended!

Genre: Melodic Metal

Band:
Michael Kiske, Amanda Somerville (vocals)
Martin Schmidt, Rami Ali (drums)
Mat Sinner (bass)
Magnus Karlsson, Sander Gommans (guitar)
Jimmy Kresic (keyboards)

Track Listing:
1. Nothing Left To Say
2. Silence
3. If I Had A Wish
4. Arise
5. End Of The Road
6. Don’t Walk Away
7. A Thousand Suns
8. Rain
9. One Night Burning
10. Devil In Her Heart
11. Second Chance
12. Set A Fire (Bonus Track)

Label: Frontiers Records

Website: http://www.frontiers.it/album/4746/

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10

Tony Harnell

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

Tony Harnell checked in with Hardrock Haven to talk about the brand new studio effort Round Trip; the thought process behind reworking TNT classics like “10,000 Lover” and “Intuition;” when we can expect an all new studio album from Harnell and if it will be with the band Tony Harnell and the Mercury Train; how Round Trip allows him to begin a new musical chapter in his life; if there’s any shot of him ever rejoining TNT; and a whole lot more.

 

Harnell is easily one of Hard Rock’s most talented vocalists, and when you hear Round Trip, you will understand he is somehow even better today compared to the first time you ever heard him.  Tune in now to reconnect with one of the best singers you are ever going to hear, and pick up Round Trip as soon as it hits the streets.

(If the embedded player doesn’t populate, click here to stream the interview in a stand alone player.)

John Waite In Real Time

by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

It seems odd in the DVD era to encounter a live album without a video counterpart, but that’s exactly what we get with In Real Time, the latest release from veteran rocker John Waite. In Real Time is the first live recording (the handful of live tracks on 2001’s Live & Rare aside) from Waite, who has enjoyed highly successful runs with The Babys and Bad English as well as a long and equally successful solo career.

Despite 30+ years in the business, Waite’s voice still sounds remarkably good, and he and his band seem to have some real energy and chemistry on this set. Waite solo hits “Change,” “Head First” and especially “Missing You” sound completely vital. “Head First” is particularly rocking. Aside from his solo material, Waite revisits a pair of The Babys’ best hits with “Back On My Feet Again” and “Head First” as well as Bad English hits “Best Of What I Got” and, lamentably, “When I See You Smile.” Sorry, but that song is a contender for worst power ballad ever, and needs to be retired.

His cover of the Led Zeppelin classic “Rock and Roll” was a major surprise. For some reason, you just don’t expect a singer like John Waite to try his hand at a Led Zeppelin tune, especially not such a boisterous one. Even more surprising – Waite and company do a damn fine job at it, making it one of the album’s high points.

Aside from the two minutes spent introducing the band and leading up to “New York City Girl,” In Real Time is a tight, energetic live performance that gets right to the hits. It’s a high quality recording overall as well, which isn’t always a given with live releases. It’s probably not an essential John Waite album, but fans of The Babys. Bad English and/or Waite’s solo career should find In Real Time quite enjoyable. It’s just a shame there isn’t a DVD release to go with it.

Genre: AOR

Band:
John Waite (v)
Billy Wilkes (d)
Tim Hogan (b)
Luis Maldonado (g)

Track Listing:
1. Change
2. Back On My Feet Again
3. In Dreams
4. Every Time I Think Of You
5. Band Intro
6. Prelude
7. New York City Girl
8. Best Of What I Got
9. Missing You
10. Head First
11. Rock and Roll
12. When I See You Smile

Label: Frontiers

Website: www.myspace.com/johnwaite

Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10

Tesla Alive in Europe

by Trevor Portz
Staff Writer

Capturing a live Tesla show on record is no easy task. As is the case with many great live bands, as easy as it is to record a show, it’s virtually impossible to encapsulate the energy and atmosphere of actually being there. Alive In Europe attempts to do just that, and though it’s not exactly the same as a real show, it is a great representation of one of hard rock’s most elite bands.

Kicking off with “Forever More” from the 2008 album of the same name, it is instantly apparent that, to reference an old Tesla song, time has in fact not made changes, at least it terms of the band writing killer songs and playing them perfectly live. The energy carries over into another new track, “I Wanna Live,” and which point the band goes into a string of classics, both old and relatively new.

“Modern Day Cowboy” is as powerful, and strangely poignant, as ever, and features a small but great live tweak as the third acoustic-into-verse riff is played electrically rather than acoustically. This tiny change adds a large amount of darkness to the already dark and heavy song.

A surprising addition, “Shine Away” from Bust a Nut makes a welcome appearance, and fits beautifully into the set. Its instrumental mid-break remains one of Tesla’s finest chill-inducing moments, not just on its original album, but across their catalog as a whole.

It becomes strikingly obvious that the album was recorded in Europe when the intro to mega-hit “Love Song” is accompanied by a thousand fans “oooohing” along. This Euro trend hasn’t quite caught on in the US, but it is fun for both the audience and band, and gives the songs a huge, “rockers-united” sort of feel.

’90s hit “What You Give” stands as the only representative from the Psychotic Supper album, and sounds great as always, though the revelation that it was written about Jeff’s beloved dog does add an air of creepiness. But bestial undertones aside, it’s a fine track and a great reminder that not all power ballads have to be generic and nauseating.

Closing track “Into the Now” from the 2004 comeback album Into the Now wraps the show up in an odd-time, melodically heavy fashion, and though Jeff Keith’s vocals do start to sound a wee-bit tired here, it’s the first time they falter and this can easily be forgiven. Considering the vocal-skill loss that has affected so many other singers from the same time period, it’s nice to know that Jeff still sounds the same he did over 20 years ago.

Complaints? Well, the biggest one would be regarding song variety. While it’s nice seeing newer numbers, and the aforementioned “Shine Away,” many classics and deep cuts are nowhere to be found. It would have been cool for the band to have included one or two other non-hits; perhaps “Flight to Nowhere,” “Rubberband,” or “Makin’ Magic” for the diehards. Of course, when coupled with 2001’s Replugged Live and 2008’s Comin’ Atcha Live! DVD, there are a great number of songs captured live, though quite a few are repeated as well. This would seem rather an obvious statement, however, as few bands would risk not playing the hits.

Though technically an import, it would be unwise for any Tesla fan to pass up Alive in Europe. Hell, it would be unwise for any fan of hard rock/metal to pass it up. The members of Tesla seem unable to stop being awesome, and if all goes well, they’ll never decide to. While it may not fully replicate the energy and pure rock bliss generated by an actual Tesla show, it’s still a damn fine souvenir.

Label: Frontiers Records
Web: www.teslatheband.com

Band Lineup:
Jeff Keith (vocals)
Frank Hannon (guitars)
Dave Rude (guitars)
Brian Wheat (bass)
Troy Luccketta (drums)

Tracks:
1. Forever More
2. I Wanna Live
3. Modern Day Cowboy
4. Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)
5. What A Shame
6. Shine Away
7. Love Song
8. What You Give
9. The Way It Is
10. Breakin’ Free
11. Hang Tough
12. So What!
13. Signs
14. Lil’ Suzie
15. Into The Now

Hardrock Haven rating: 9.1/10

Asia Omega

by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

Omega is the latest offering from the recently reunited original lineup of Asia. After a series of impressive (but poor selling) albums with bassist/vocalist John Payne, the original lineup of Asia – John Wetton, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer – cashed in on the reunion opportunity in 2007, touring extensively and releasing a new studio album (2008’s Phoenix). Disregarding the reunion hype, Phoenix was a very tame, very safe Asia effort that didn’t have the energy and spirit that the John Payne era albums had. Unfortunately, that appears to be the formula Asia has settled on, as Omega is almost identical to its predecessor.

Geoff Downes’s keyboards are as impressive as ever, as is Palmer’s drumming. John Wetton still has a great voice, and he turns in a solid bass performance as well. Steve Howe – who is arguably the best musician of the bunch – is just…there. It seems like it could have been any nameless guitar slinger on this album. It’s just hard to believe that a group of musicians of this caliber working together can come up with music so lifeless.

Now, as with Phoenix, there are some good songs on Omega. Leadoff track (and first single) “Finger on the Trigger” is pretty catchy and actually rocks quite a bit, “Holy War” is pretty proggy and “I Believe” shows some actual emotion. The rest of the album is pretty much a variation on the same, tame, mid-tempo Asia song. Not too rocking, not too progressive, not too interesting. They really should have retained John Payne as a songwriter. He brought a real sense of heart and soul to the Asia albums he was involved with, and that’s something that is sorely lacking here.

If you liked Phoenix, you’ll likely have no problem with Omega. It’s essentially Phoenix volume 2 (which more or less means it’s Astra volume 3). No frills, no surprises, and no real excitement. If you’re one of the few who followed Asia in the John Payne days or who are hoping for a return to the Asia/Alpha sound, you won’t get much out of this album other than heartache.

Label: Frontiers Records

Track Listing:
1. Finger on the Trigger
2. Through My Veins
3. Holy War
4. Ever Yours
5. Listen Children
6. End of the World
7. Light the Way
8. Emily
9. I’m Still the Same
10. There Was a Time
11. I Believe
12. Don’t Wanna Lose You

Online: www.originalasia.com

Hardrock Haven rating: 6/10

Wig Wam Non Stop Rock and Roll

by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

Non Stop Rock and Roll is the third album from Norwegian glam metal act Wig Wam, but for many of us in the U.S. this album is our introduction to this wildly popular European band. Wig Wam became a huge success in their native Norway (and in Japan, naturally) via their participation in the Eurovision television competition, but their albums have been slow to hit these shores. The band’s alliance with Frontiers is sure to change that, much to our benefit.

Once you wrap your head around the fact that there’s an active glam metal scene in Norway, which is better known for its church-burning black metal scene, you can’t help but grin at the spectacle that is Wig Wam. Four guys calling themselves Glam, Teeny, Flash and Sporty and playing music inspired by Kiss, the Sweet, Bon Jovi and Cheap Trick – who saw that coming? Honestly, it’s probably not worth pondering. Just turn it up and let the party begin!

They called this album Non Stop Rock and Roll for a reason. Wig Wam does party rock like no one else. The album is packed with party anthems like “C’Mon Everybody” and “Still I’m Burning” that would have packed arenas in the ‘80s and still have plenty of power today. Aside from a couple of obligatory ballads – “From Here” and “Man In the Moon” – the whole album is an upbeat, energetic rock experience that channels everything great about the ‘80s rock style – the monster guitar hooks, the sing-along choruses, the over the top image and most importantly the timeless wisdom of rock and rolling all night and partying every day. Actually, if Steel Panther ever ditched their juvenile lyrics they’d probably sound a lot like Wig Wam.

There are melodic rock albums that are more polished, and some that rock harder, but you’ll be hard pressed to find one that’s anywhere near as much fun as Non Stop Rock and Roll. This is the party rock album of 2010, and a great way for the rest of us to experience Wigwamania.

Label: Frontiers Records

Track Listing:

1. Do Ya Wanna Taste It
2. Walls Come Down
3. Wild One
4. C’Mon Everybody
5. Man In the Moon
6. Still I’m Burning
7. All You Wanted
8. Non Stop Rock and Roll
9. From Here
10. Rocket Through My Heart
11. Chasing Rainbows
12. Gotta Get It On

Lineup:

Glam – Vocals
Teeny – Guitars
Flash – Bass
Sporty – Drums

Online: www.myspace.com/wigwamania

Hardrock Haven Rating: 8/10

Treat Coup de Grace

by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

Europe was the obvious success story from the Swedish melodic rock scene in the 1980s, but despite a baffling lack of attention from U.S. audiences, Treat played nearly as large a role in that scene. Their brand of ultra-catchy melodic rock helped define the Swedish melodic rock sound and influenced a generation of bands. Treat’s role in the Swedish melodic rock scene is similar to Bonfire’s in the German scene. So yeah, it was a big deal when the band broke a 14-year silence in 2006 to start playing reunion shows. And it’s an even bigger deal that the band has a new studio album out, just in time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their first release (1985’s Scratch and Bite.)

For their comeback album Coup de Grace, their first since 1992’s self-titled album, the band consists of Anders Wikstrom (guitars, backing vocals), Robert Ernlund (lead vocals), Jamie Borger (drums), Nalle Pahlsson (bass, backing vocals) and Patrick Appelgren (keyboards/guitar, backing vocals). That’s damn near all of the people responsible for Treat’s classic ‘80s albums, so expectations are understandably high going into Coup de Grace.

Coup de Grace is a first class melodic rock album by a band that’s been around long enough to have all but perfected their craft. The guys are older and wiser, so it’s not another Pleasure Principle, packed with songs about living fast and rocking hard. Yes, there are love songs, and yes there’s that trademark Treat melodic approach, but the songwriting reflects life experiences and conveys a sense of maturity that simply wouldn’t have been possible back in the ‘80s.

Of course, all the maturity in the world won’t help if the songs are weak, but fortunately that’s far from the case with Coup de Grace. Wisktrom’s guitar playing is absolutely smokin’ here, with huge hooks and melodies that instantly lodge themselves into your brain. He really is the heart and soul of Treat’s sound, and between his guitar playing, songwriting and production job, he’s managed to put together an album that stays true to the Treat legacy while bringing the band roaring into the new era. Then there’s Robert Ernlund’s vocal performance. Ernlund has such a steady yet powerful voice; never too high and never too harsh. Even after 25+ years in the business his vocals sound as smooth as ever.

Highlights of Coup de Grace include the rockin’ “The War Is Over,” “Heaven Can Wait” and “Breathless” as well as the slower “We Own the Night” and “A Life To Die For.” Honestly though, there isn’t a weak song to be found on the whole album.

Fans of the Swedish melodic rock sound have plenty to celebrate. Treat is back and sound as good as ever. Coup de Grace is another fantastic melodic rock album from one of the best bands in the genre, and is one that every Treat fan must own. It’s also a can’t miss album for melodic rock fans in general, and an early contender for the “best of 2010” list.

Label: Frontiers Records

Track Listing:

1. Prelude: Coup de Grace
2. The War Is Over
3. All In
4. Paper Tiger
5. Roar
6. A Life To Die For
7. Tangled Up
8. Skies of Mongolia
9. Heaven Can Wait
10. I’m Not Runnin’
11. No Way Without You
12. We Own the Night
13. All For Love
14. Breathless

Online: www.treatnews.com

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10

Jaded Heart Perfect Insanity

by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

German melodic rockers Jaded Heart are back with their ninth studio album, entitled Perfect Insanity. It’s also the third album to feature Swedish vocalist Johan Fahlberg, who took the mic when Michael Bormann left the band he helped found. A lot of people wrote Jaded Heart off when Bormann split, but this has become one of those splits (Pink Cream 69 and Angra/Shaman are others) where it turns out to be a good move for all parties. Bormann has released some impressive work, both as a solo artist as well as with bands like The Trophy, and Jaded Heart has released a string of albums that may just be their best ever.

Over the course of the last three albums, Jaded Heart has developed a heavier, somewhat darker sound that is rapidly approaching metal territory. We’re getting to the point where the band’s peers are no longer Bonfire and Fair Warning, but harder-hitting bands like Pink Cream 69, At Vance, Starbreaker and Jorn. Sure the band can still put together a love song or two, but now they are songs like the muscular opening track “Love Is a Killer” and the Judas Priest-sounding “Psycho Kiss.”

The rest of the album has a darker bent, like the gladiatorial “Tonight” (as in “tonight we dine in hell”) and “Hell Just Arrived,” which is almost too melodic for its lyrics. Subject matter aside, the album is an incredibly hard-hitting (yet still melodic) affair with wicked guitar hooks, heavy rhythms and an absolutely first rate vocal performance. Yes, Michael Bormann is probably the better singer, but Fahlberg is such a great fit for this band and their new direction.

Perfect Insanity also benefits from the considerable production/engineering/mixing talents of not one, but three industry veterans – Michael Voss (ex-Mad Max), Chris Lausmann (ex-Bonfire) and Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69). Ward in particular is probably the genre’s best mixing/mastering talent, and you can usually recognize one of his pristine jobs very quickly.

Jaded Heart continues to deliver some of the best melodic hard rock around, and continues to see just how far they can take their sound. If you’ve followed the band for a while, and didn’t lose heart when Michael Bormann left the fold, Perfect Insanity should once again reaffirm your faith in Jaded Heart. If you haven’t paid attention to Jaded Heart in a while, or are new to the band, you’re in for a real treat.

Label: Frontiers

Track Listing:

1. Intro
2. Love Is a Killer
3. Fly Away
4. Blood Stained Lies
5. Tonight
6. Freedom Call
7. One Life One Death
8. Rising
9. Hell Just Arrived
10. Psycho Kiss
11. Come To the Feast
12. Exterminated

Online: www.jadedheart.de

Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10

Outloud Outloud

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

One of the biggest surprises of the year is the new band collectively known as Outloud. Featuring virtuoso Bob Katsionis and drummer Mark Cross from Firewind, and the vocal prowess of Chandler Mogel (ex-Talon), Outloud is a shout out to the ‘80s. You’ll hear bits of Van Halen, TNT and Hurricane, especially with the overriding melodies and Mogel’s polished delivery, quite reminiscent of Kelly Hansen.

The fracas begins with “What I Need,” one of the fastest tracks on the release. The technical skills of the band are on full display, from the searing guitar solos to Cross’ manic drum fills and blasts. Mogel sings with melodic ferocity and some playfulness in sections, and it’s a full speed ahead burner.

Their first single/video is “We Run,” and if you haven’t watched it yet, do so. It’s probably the best song on the release, although, there are no weak tracks. “We Run” is a bass-heavy rocker, with Jason Mercury leading the charge on the opening verse. The chorus soars, and sort of reminds of you when Bon Jovi was a lot heavier and way hungrier. And less sober. Again, Mogel’s vocals will remind you of Kelly Hansen, and that’s a clear compliment, since Hansen’s pipes are nearly untouchable. Outloud clearly made the right choice by bringing Mogel into the mix.

The first slower song is “This Broken Heart,” and it is an acoustic composition at the start. You can think of it as a “power ballad,” and while it’s a love song, it’s not really sappy, probably because the musicianship is such high quality it can’t be cheesy. They’ll score a lot of points with the ladies on this one.

You’ll hear plenty of times when they nearly go into Progressive Metal land, like on “Breathing Fire.” It begins with a deft riff and galloping lead, with intricate drum rhythms, but then they sort of rein in the chaos and simplify things. Like “What I Need,” it’s one of the heavier songs on the self-titled debut.

“Lovesigh” is the other ballad, and it’s a step up from “Search for Truth.” You’ll get near Classical acoustic guitars and a haunting falsetto two-part harmony opening “oooh.” Mogel sings the lowest he has on the release during the verses, and his lower registry is just as powerful as his higher passages. It would be quite an experience to see them pull this off in an arena filled with 10,000 lighter-wielding fans.

In a curious move, the album ends with a song about themselves, “Out Loud.” “Frantic” doesn’t nearly define the track, but it’s a good start. This is probably where the Van Halen comparisons raise there head, as this is as breakneck as “Hot for Teacher,” but faster and heavier. Cross’ drumming is freakishly feverish throughout, as are the riffs and the notable wicked guitar solo, either from Katsionis or the other guitarist, Tony Kash. Or both.

Outloud owns the ability to sound familiar without sounding like any other band in the genre. It is ‘80s Hard Rock, but it is uber-polished thanks to the production of Katsionis and mixing of the damn near legendary Tommy Hansen. There is simply nothing to complain about, from the vocals, to the production, to the musicianship, to the songwriting. Everything clicks. Plus, on the CD cover it says “We’ll rock you to Hell and back again!” Now, you won’t up in Hades just by listening to Outloud—you’ll have to do a little more than that—but it’s still a damn cool Metal sentiment.

Label: Frontiers Records

Track listing:
1. What I Need
2. We Run
3. Tonight
4. Search For Truth
5. This Broken Heart
6. Breathing Fire
7. Wild Life
8. Broken Sleep
9. Out In The Night
10. Lovesigh
11. Out Loud

HRH Rating: 8.7/10

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